Ottawa – On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville-Wainwright, shared the theme for Women’s History Month 2012, “Strong Girls, Strong Canada: Leaders from the Start,” and announced a Call for Proposals, for projects aiming to enhance girls’ and young women’s participation in civic, political and community life, as well as in the economy.
“When girls and young women can participate fully, our communities benefit and all of Canada is stronger, as well,” said Minister Ambrose. “On October 11, Canada and the world celebrate the first-ever International Day of the Girl. The Government of Canada is proud to support organizations in helping Canadian girls become leaders, now and in the future. This year’s Women’s History Month theme celebrates the leadership roles – often behind the scenes and unrecognized – that girls have played throughout our country’s history.”
“I am pleased the Government of Canada continues to support grassroots projects that strengthen opportunities for girls and women,” said Benoit. “I encourage all interested organizations in Vegreville-Wainwright to step up to the challenge of making a difference for girls and women, for our community and for Canada.”
From now until August 10, 2012, the Women’s Program of Status of Women Canada will accept funding applications under the “Setting the Stage for Girls and Young Women to Succeed” Call for Proposals in one of two thematic areas:
- engaging girls and young women in leadership roles; and
- strengthening girls’ and young women’s economic prosperity.
Eligible organizations must address a number of predetermined criteria in their responses.
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls in Canada while strengthening families, communities and the country. Through Status of Women Canada, the government's support for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, increasing from $10.8 million to close to $19 million each year, its highest level ever.
“I fully support Minister Ambrose’s belief that it is important to recognize the leadership roles that girls and young women perform every day in this area,” explained Benoit. “They are leaders, so why not acknowledge this?”
For more information on Status of Women Canada and funding available through the Women’s Program, please visit women.gc.ca.
